The Ambassador of Panama Mr Gilberto Arias and the Ambassador of Honduras Mr Ivan Romero-Martinez

A shining pearlAs friends of Sri Lanka gathered for steaming bowls of curry to celebrate the island’s 63rd anniversary of Independence, Acting High Commissioner Pakeer Amza said his country, dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, had regained it lustre having overcome decades of conflict. “We are a proud nation once again. After our turbulent past, Sri Lanka now needs understanding and good will.”

PHOTOS: PIERRE DE VILLIERS

Sri Lankan spices were on offer

The Ambassador of the UAE Mr Abdulrahman Almutaiwee in discussion with the Libyan Ambassador Mr Omar Jelban